Takashina-sensei is a very unusual artist. I was trying to pinpoint what 'it' was that stood out to me about her work. I think it's the personification of animalism of soul reflected within the human body and behaviour, even when she doesn't choose to literally use animals.

The title story is fun and light-hearted. I wasn't squicked about Kuro, the dog, becoming human when excited, but the story itself simply didn't hit hard with me. Story-wise, there was one scene that elegantly translated human behavouir that bespoke of how a dog would sense the emotions of his master when Ukyo was being insulted and became hurt. Humour wise, I did laugh out loud when the neighbour saw Kuro raising his leg, about to do his business on the bush. . .

The 2nd story had no magical element to it, but was full of many basic truths about love and what is really important - being together with the one that completes you, regardless of sex or our own human frailties and imperfections. It was touching. The eyes of Kasumi were so dynamic and drew me to the page for longer pauses. Those heavy black lined eyes made Kasumi just so expressive! It contained the most 'emotional connection' story-wise, of the 3 in this anthology.

The final story, ironically, held for me the least like of the lead character, but was the most amazing as far as personifying an animal spirit in a human form. The 'goldfish' reflected in the young boy's body was breath-taking: the way his eyes were so resplendent, eager and shining, and his long angelfish fin-like hair tied loosely near the ends almost moved like he was swaying under the water. He looked just as delicate, sensitive and breakable as the actually rescued itty bitty gold fish.

The 'embracing' is all done very vividly and touching as well. And it isn't fade-to-black -thank you gods- so it had that 'adult' element I do so like to see included as well!

Although the stories never really reached a hold of my psyche and drew me in securely, the art held sway and made me think about the stories more than I would have with a lesser artist.

... Last updated on February 2nd, 2009, 11:20am

I got this one because I had read Wild Rock and liked it. The artwork throughout is very nice. The first story with Kuro and Ukyo is cute, and has humorous elements. I wasn't bothered by the "dog becomes man" part like some apparently were. Perhaps that comes from years of writing children's books with personified animals. My favorite was the second story with Kasumi and Ken. It had more character development and emotion to it. Their childhood friendship turned adult relationship was touching and well done. The nice artwork added to it. I also enjoyed the last story about the goldfish. It was very short, but handled beautifully. It did have a dream-like quality to it that made you wonder if it was all in the guy's head. Again, the artwork made the story better. This manga over all was quite enjoyable and I would recommend it.

I...liked...it.... whoops, did I say that, oh well. I did, even though i am not a fan of the whole animal thing, I didn't really think too hard about it though. And was super happy to find Goldfish Princess in this, love it. Maybe I just can't help it, I really love Takashima's artwork and it just wins me over in the end.

Dont know... a litte TOO strange for me..
wel, I have read "dogs heart" but, em, this is something differend *cough*
Dosen't seem right when people doing it with animals.. and I have a dog so it creeps me~.~

Wow...who would've thought dog/man would be so HOT!! I mean seriously, he is downright hot xD... Who cares about dog x man thing...wen he gets excited the dog turns into a guy xD...dats all i need to see =)

This manga was really well drawn and the story was C.U.T.E. I have no problem with some half dog half human action in there. I really don't care as long as the story line is good, the art is nice, and that the genre lable didn't lie to me. it got 9.6 because the police in the park scene made me laugh so I couldn't read the rest without wondering if he would report them or not.

I know that the plot for the first story is kind of weird, but I couldn't help thinking it was the sweetest. I have to admit I thought Kuro and Ukyou were so cute and sweet I was almost crying. Maybe it was because their relationship was really honest, but even if you may think the story is weird you should give it a try. Kuro is so sweet. I'm almost crying thinking about the complete pureness of their relationship LOL

Creepy premise alert! *Whoo Whoo (sirens) The dog man story was pretty icky. The art was great but I couldn't get past the dog-man part. Thankfully, that story only takes up half of the book. The other half is a story of two childhood friends reconnecting (I really liked that one), and a goldfish-boy(?) story. The goldfish story was more like a dream sequence, so I wasn't creeped out. The middle story was the best of the three and definitely worth reading.

... Last updated on August 28th, 2009, 1:05pm

the last one shot story was one of the softest and the best (it make my heart go ache just in a matter of sentence, with all those limited pages it was so wonderfully drawn). the uke is superb. i cant believe he is a goldfish.
really soft.

I don't quite understand why some people consider the first story to be bestiality. Firstly, they never have sex while Kuro is in his doggy form. Also, it's not like a dog is just trapped in a human's body and unaware of what's going on -- he is pretty much a young adult (human!) male who has fallen in love. So I personally think it's really cute. And like some other reviewers I have also owned dogs before, yet that doesn't affect my opinion in the least. Because they were just normal dogs. They couldn't turn into humans. So... yeah... Anyway, there are a lot of funny scenes as well (especially when Kuro is in the garden by himself and "surprises" the neighbour! XD Haha)

The 2nd couple is pretty ordinary. I like childhood friends-become-lovers, though this one seemed to lack impact. Even the follow-up chapter with the supposed "rival" didn't stir up much emotion for me. It wasn't bad in the least, but pretty average.

All in all, it's quite a nice, quick read. Unfortunately, the art throughout isn't all that great. If it were then I'd probably rate this higher.

... Last updated on July 27th, 2013, 11:09am